2018 Classic Menghai Ripe Pu‑erh – 357g, Bulang Mountain Ancient Tree

2018 Classic Menghai Ripe Pu-erh - Bulang Mountain Ancient Tree

Experience the authentic "Menghai taste" with this exceptional 2018 vintage ripe pu-erh (357g) crafted from ancient tree leaves harvested in the renowned Bulang Mountain (布朗山, Bulang Shan) area of Menghai. Fermented and pressed using classic Menghai techniques, this cake offers a deep, earthy aroma and smooth, substantial texture that embodies the legendary character Menghai is famous for worldwide.

Bulang Mountain - The Powerful Heart of Menghai:

Bulang Mountain (布朗山, Bulang Shan) is one of the most important and prestigious tea regions in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna. Located at elevations between 1200-2000 meters, Bulang Mountain is home to some of the oldest tea trees in Yunnan, with many ancient tea forests dating back over 1,000 years. The region is named after the Bulang ethnic minority people who have cultivated and protected these tea forests for generations.

Bulang Mountain is particularly famous for being the location of the legendary Lao Banzhang (Old Banzhang) village, which produces some of the most expensive and sought-after raw pu-erh in the world. While Banzhang is renowned for raw pu-erh, the broader Bulang Mountain area produces exceptional material for both raw and ripe pu-erh. The ancient trees in this region are known for producing leaves with strong character, rich body, and excellent aging potential.

What makes Bulang Mountain material special for ripe pu-erh is its inherent strength and depth. Even after fermentation, teas made from Bulang ancient trees retain substantial body, thick texture, and complex flavor profiles that set them apart from ordinary ripe pu-erh. The unique terroir - with its high elevation, ancient tea forests, rich biodiversity, and mineral-rich soils - creates ripe pu-erh with the classic "Menghai taste": deep earthy character, smooth sweetness, and remarkable staying power.

The Classic Menghai Taste:

Menghai County is universally recognized as the birthplace and capital of ripe pu-erh production. The "Menghai taste" (勐海味) refers to a distinctive flavor profile characterized by deep earthy notes, clean fermentation, smooth texture, and natural sweetness - qualities that have made Menghai ripe pu-erh the gold standard worldwide. This 2018 cake exemplifies these classic characteristics through expert fermentation and 8+ years of post-fermentation aging.

Tasting Experience:

This 2018 Bulang Mountain ripe cake showcases the perfect marriage of ancient tree material and classic Menghai craftsmanship. The tea brews a rich, clear red liquor with exceptional depth and clarity. The aroma is deep and earthy with notes of aged wood and subtle dried date sweetness. The flavor is thick and smooth, coating the palate with substantial presence while maintaining gentle sweetness throughout. Notes of dried date, aged wood, and clean earth create a complex yet harmonious profile. The texture is rounded and coating, with the full body that comes from ancient tree material. The finish is clean with lingering sweetness that invites another cup.

After 8+ years of post-fermentation aging, this tea has developed beautiful mellowness and balance. It's ready to enjoy now and will continue to soften and deepen with further aging, developing even greater smoothness and complexity over the coming years.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Earthy, woody, light dried date sweetness
Taste: Thick, smooth, gently sweet
Texture: Rounded and coating
Finish: Clean, lingering sweetness

Key Features:

Bulang Mountain Origin - Prestigious Menghai region, home to ancient tea forests
Ancient Tree Material - Leaves from centuries-old trees, exceptional depth
Classic Menghai Taste - Authentic deep earthy character and smoothness
2018 Vintage - 8+ years post-fermentation aging, beautiful maturity
Expert Fermentation - Traditional Menghai techniques, clean and balanced
Rich Red Liquor - Deep color with exceptional clarity
Deep Earthy Aroma - Aged wood, dried date notes
Thick Smooth Texture - Substantial, coating mouthfeel
Gentle Sweetness - Natural, clean, lingering
Well-Aged & Mellow - Ready to enjoy now
Continued Aging Potential - Develops greater smoothness over time

Brewing Guide

Gaiwan / Teapot
Tea: 6‑7g
Water: 150ml at 100°C
Rinse: Quick rinse (5‑10 sec), discard
Steep: 15‑20 seconds first infusion, +5‑10 seconds each round
Infusions: 10‑12+ times